Key Takeaways
- A penile implant is a medical device placed inside the penis during surgery that lets a man get an erection whenever he chooses.
- There are two main types of penile implants: inflatable implants and malleable (bendable) implants.
- Penile implants are usually considered after medicine or other erectile dysfunction treatments have not worked well enough.
- Unlike ED pills, an implant does not need to be timed or planned, and it does not change sensation, orgasm, or ejaculation.
- Dr. John Harb at Harb Urology is a board-certified urologist in Livonia, MI, with over 20 years of experience who offers penile implant surgery. To learn if an implant is right for you, request an appointment with Harb Urology.
What Is a Penile Implant?
For men who haven't found success with other treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), a penile implant can sound like a big and unfamiliar step. ED means having trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex.
A penile implant, also called a penile prosthesis, is a device that a surgeon places inside the penis. A prosthesis is a medical device that replaces or supports a body function. In this case, the device takes over the job of creating an erection.
According to the Cleveland Clinic guide to penile implants, the implant sits inside the erection chambers of the penis. These are two tubes of spongy tissue that normally fill with blood during an erection.
Penile Prosthesis Explained: How It's Designed to Work
A penile implant is designed to restore natural function in a reliable way. Once you heal, you control when you have an erection and how long it lasts. Here's what an implant does and doesn't change:
- It lets you get an erection on demand. No pills, waiting, or planning around a dose.
- It does not change skin sensation. Feeling on the skin of the penis stays the same.
- It does not affect orgasm or ejaculation. These work the same way they did before surgery.
- It is hidden from view. After healing, an inflatable implant isn't noticeable to others.
One important point: once you have an implant, you will need it to get an erection. ED medicines will no longer work after implant surgery. This is a key reason why Dr. Harb discusses the benefits and risks in detail during your consultation.
Types of Penile Implants
There are two main categories of penile implants. Each works a little differently.
Inflatable Penile Implants
An inflatable implant has three parts:
- Two cylinders placed inside the penis
- A small reservoir of fluid placed in the lower abdomen
- A pump placed in the scrotum
To get an erection, you press the pump. Fluid moves from the reservoir into the cylinders and makes the penis firm. To end the erection, you press a release valve, and the fluid returns to the reservoir. The penile implant options at Harb Urology include inflatable implants designed to feel like a natural erection.
Malleable (Non-Inflatable) Penile Implants
A malleable implant uses two firm but bendable silicone rods. There is no pump. You position the penis upward for sex and push it back down afterward. The firmness stays the same all the time, which makes this type simpler but harder to hide under clothing.
Inflatable vs. Malleable Penile Implants at a Glance
| Feature | Inflatable Implant | Malleable Implant |
|---|---|---|
| Main parts | Two cylinders, a fluid reservoir, and a pump | Two bendable silicone rods |
| How you use it | Press a pump to inflate and a valve to deflate | Bend the penis into position by hand |
| Firmness | Firm when inflated, soft when deflated | Always the same firmness |
| How noticeable it is | Not noticeable once healed | Semi-firm at all times, so it may be harder to hide |
| Best for | Men who want an erection that looks and feels more natural | Men who prefer a simpler device with no pump |
Who Typically Considers a Penile Implant?
The Mayo Clinic guide to erectile dysfunction treatment explains that health care professionals don't often suggest implants until other ED treatments have been tried. Men who consider an implant often:
- Have tried ED medicine without good results
- Can't take ED medicine because of side effects or other health concerns
- Are tired of planning intimacy around a pill or device
- Want a long-term solution rather than a short-term fix
Penile implants may also help men with Peyronie's disease, a condition where scar tissue causes the penis to curve, when other treatments haven't worked.
How a Penile Implant Differs from Medication and Other ED Treatments
ED treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Here is how the most common options compare:
| Treatment | How It Works | Planning Needed? | Long-Term? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral ED medicine | Pills help increase blood flow to the penis | Yes, taken before sex | Must be taken each time |
| Penis pump (vacuum device) | A tube and pump draw blood into the penis | Yes, used before sex | Must be used each time |
| Penile implant | A surgically placed device creates an erection on demand | No | Designed to last many years |
Medicine works well for many men. But for others, an implant offers a more lasting answer. Dr. Harb also provides sexual dysfunction treatment for men and women, so you can explore every option before choosing surgery.
What to Expect from Penile Implant Surgery
If you and Dr. Harb decide an implant is the right step, here's a general look at what the Cleveland Clinic says to expect:
- Length of surgery: About one to two hours.
- Going home: Most people go home the same day.
- Recovery: Pain and swelling usually improve after about a week. Tenderness can last up to six weeks.
- Returning to sex: Most people wait at least four weeks, based on their surgeon's advice.
- Learning to use it: A follow-up visit about four to six weeks after surgery shows you how to use the implant.
- Lifespan: On average, penile implants last about 20 years.
- Satisfaction: Over 90% of people with a penile implant are happy with their results.
Like any surgery, there are risks. These can include infection, mechanical failure, and erosion, which is when the implant wears through tissue. Dr. Harb will review all of these with you before you decide.
Find Out If a Penile Implant Is Right for You at Harb Urology
A penile implant is a proven, long-term option that lets men with ED have an erection whenever they choose. Dr. John Harb brings over 20 years of experience and a caring, respectful approach to every patient considering this step.
Request an appointment with Harb Urology to talk with Dr. Harb about penile implant surgery in Livonia, MI and find the option that fits your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a penile implant?
A penile implant is a device placed inside the penis during surgery. It allows men with erectile dysfunction to get an erection whenever they choose, without pills or planning.
Is a penile prosthesis the same as a penile implant?
Yes. Penile prosthesis and penile implant are two names for the same thing. Both refer to a device surgically placed in the penis to create an erection.
What are the types of penile implants?
The two main types of penile implants are inflatable and malleable. Inflatable implants use a pump and fluid to create an erection. Malleable implants use bendable rods that stay firm at all times.
Will a penile implant make my penis bigger?
No. A penile implant is meant to restore erections, not increase size. Your erection will usually be similar in size to your stretched penis before surgery.
Does insurance cover a penile implant?
Insurance often covers penile implants when a provider diagnoses erectile dysfunction. Harb Urology accepts most major insurance plans. Check the list of insurance plans accepted at Harb Urology and contact your insurance company to confirm your coverage.
